Urine Screen for Sugar and Protein
At each antenatal visit, the expectant mother will be asked to give a urine specimen that will be screened for the presence of sugar and/or protein.
Although small amounts of both sugar and protein are normally present in urine, high levels can indicate a problem and may call for further testing, such as with a urine protein test, or urine culture (to identify any bacteria or yeast present). High levels of protein may indicate an infection of the bladder or kidneys (urinary tract infection, UTI).
Of particular concern during the second and third trimesters is pre-eclampsia (sometimes called toxaemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension), a disorder characterized by high blood pressure and large amounts of protein in the urine. Symptoms include swelling, sudden weight gain, headache, and vision changes. It can result in a decrease of air and food getting to the baby through the placenta, causing low birth weight or other complications. If caught early enough, however, through routine checking of blood pressure and urine protein levels, health problems for the mother and baby due to preeclampsia can be prevented.
Sugar present in urine may be a sign of diabetes. A positive urine test for sugar will usually be followed by a confirmatory blood test. A more extensive test (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) may be necessary to diagnose the condition during pregnancy. A small percent of women with no prior history will develop diabetes during the later part of pregnancy. Diabetes during pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes. The condition does not continue following delivery, however women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Related Tests: Urinalysis